Asian values and democratic citizenship: exploring attitudes among South Korean eighth graders using data from the ICCS Asian Regional Module

• Published in: Asia Pacific journal of education Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 191 - 212
• Main Author: Knowles, Ryan Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Routledge 03-04-2015; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Asian Culture; Authority; Citizenship; Citizenship education; civic engagement; Confucianism; Correlation analysis; Cultural Influences; culture; Democracy; Democratic Values; Factor Analysis; Family Influence; Foreign Countries; Governance; Grade 8; ICCS; Interaction; Knowledge Level; Moral Values; Political Issues; Self Efficacy; Social Influences; Social Values; South Korea; Student attitudes; Values; South Korea
• ISSN: 0218-8791; 1742-6855
• DOI: 10.1080/02188791.2015.1005053

Utilizing data from the 2009 IEA International Civic and Citizenship Study Asian Regional Module, this secondary analysis explores the relationship between traditional Asian values and democratic citizenship. Findings identify two dimensions of Asian values: Asian civic values and obedience to authority. Among South Korean students, Asian civic values have a positive association with democratic citizenship, while obedience to authority displays an inverse relationship. However, attachment to obedience to authority is much weaker. The overall findings suggest the possibility of reconciliation between traditional Asian values and democratic citizenship.